Crime

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Mendy ‘thought he could act irresponsibly as he’d like, break rules & STILL keep £6m Man City salary after rape arrest’

      by

      EX-MANCHESTER City star Benjamin Mendy thought he could behave “as irresponsibly as he liked” and still be paid his £6million-a-year salary, an employment tribunal heard.The French World Cup winner, 30, is claiming £11m in back pay which the Premier League champions withheld after he was charged in August 2021 with four rapes and one sexual assault.Benjamin Mendy celebrating with the Premier League trophy in May 2021Credit: GettyMendy leaving Chester Crown Court on July 14, 2023Credit: AFPThe offences were alleged to have been carried out during Covid lockdown parties at his £4.6m mansion in Prestbury, Cheshire.But Mendy was cleared after two trials in January and June 2023.A month after he was charged, City bosses wrote to the player – bought for £52m in 2017 from Monaco – and told him they were stopping his £500,000-a-month salary.They said he was “not presently ready and able to perform” the obligations of his contract, namely to train and play games.Read more footballHe had also been suspended by the Football Association from taking part in “footballing activity”.Sean Jones KC, for Man City, also outlined a number of times where Mendy breached Covid rules by hosting house parties, some of which resulted in him being remanded in custody for breach of bail.He told the hearing in Manchester today/yesterday(TUES): “The essence of the submission by Mr Mendy is that his contract creates a moral hazard.”He says ‘I can behave as irresponsibly as I like, I can ignore all the rules, both legal, of the club and common sense to the point where my behaviour results in prison.’ Most read in Football”He is trying to make a moral hazard into a virtue.“He says ‘It should in no way affect my entitlement to pay. There should be no consequences to my behaviour.'”As Mendy listened in via video link, Mr Jones told Employment Judge Joanne Dunlop: “The contract of employment is at its heart a work/wage bargain. “He should be able to play and he could no neither because of his behaviour.”We are not here saying he committed rapes and assaults and it was not assumed that he was guilty. “It is not the allegations per se, it was the way he behaved under police bail which made custody inevitable.”The culpability is very clear. He had, in whole or in part, contributed to the state of affairs where he was unable to perform his duties.”The question about whether his salary was payable is not about discipline.”The reason is not because he was subject to disciplinary sanction but because he was unable to perform his duties.”Mr Jones said there were four periods to consider – from September 2021 until January 2022 when he was in prison on remand for breach of bail conditions; from January 2022 to December 2022 when he was released on bail with restrictive conditions; from December 2022 to January 2023 when he was again in custody on remand and from January 2023 to Juine 2023 when his contract was terminated.He said that Mendy’s arguments that he was not doing anything different to five other City players who went to parties was “a red herring” because the other players were still “ready, able and willing” to play and train.In documents submitted to the hearing, Mendy suggested teammates who attended the parties were Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and John Stones. None are accused of any wrongdoing.The tribunal was also told Mendy’s bail conditions included reporting requirements and travel restrictions which meant that he would not be able to get to any of City’s fixtures.Jenny Wiltshire, a solicitor who represented Mendy during his two rape and sexual assault trials, admitted the footballer had not tried to change the bail conditions to allow him to train and play because she knew that he was subject to an Interim Suspension Order from the Football Association which prevented him from taking part in any footballing activities.She said: “We couldn’t specifically ask for conditions that allowed him to work when he was suspended. “If the club was happy for him to work or to train, we would have applied to amend any bail conditions so that he could do so.”The purpose of the bail conditions was never to prevent him working. It was just the fact that the reality at the time was he was not working.” Mendy, now at the French club Lorient, was cleared of seven rapes and two sexual assaults after two trials at Chester crown court in January and June 2023.He has brought a claim for unauthorised deductions from wages, saying under the terms of his contract, the club had the right to stop his wages only for six weeks.Mendy also revealed he was lent money by teammates Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez as cash dried up after his arrest.Man City deny breaching employment law and say Mendy violated his contract by bringing the club into disrepute and indulging in behaviour which prevented him from playing or training.On Monday City’s then chief football operations officer Omar Berrada – now in the top job at Man United – denied telling Mendy’s agent the player would receive his salary in full if and when he was cleared.READ MORE SUN STORIESDuring his time at City, the tribunal heard, Mendy received around £25m in salary but missed 123 of 240 games.Employment Judge Dunlop will issue a verdict at a later date.Mendy is trying to reclaim wages from Manchester CityCredit: GettyLONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 15: Benjamin Mendy of Manchester City runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 15, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)Credit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      France international facing 10 YEARS in jail for ‘sexually assaulting woman while drunk then leading cops on car chase’

      by

      FRANCE international Wissam Ben Yedder is facing TEN YEARS in prison after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman while drunk.The former Monaco captain has won 19 caps for Les Bleus, and also played for Toulouse and Sevilla.Wissam Ben Yedder has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman while drunkCredit: GettyBut Ben Yedder went on trial at Nice criminal court on Tuesday after a woman claimed he had attacked her on September 6.The 20-year-old claimed the striker had groped her and performed a sex act in front of her in his car.Ben Yedder, 34, is also accused of repeatedly refusing to obey Monaco police orders to stop during a subsequent car chase.The Paris-born player is a free agent after being released by Monaco during the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIf found guilty he could be jailed until 2034 – ending his footballing career.His lawyers Hasna Louze and Marie Roumiantseva told French media: “Our client will appear at the court hearing, and he intends to take responsibility for his actions.”Mr Ben Yedder is regretful at being at the origin of a situation like this. He is sincerely sorry for the complainant.”Ben Yedder has been under legal supervision since the alleged incident.Most read in FootballHe has had to report to police twice weekly, and has been ordered to stay out of bars and nightclubs.The case is Ben Yedder’s FOURTH brush with the law in recent years.He is currently under investigation after being accused of raping a young woman in the summer of 2023, a claim he denies.The striker is due in court this December after his ex-wife accused him of psychological violence.And he received a fine and suspended prison sentence for tax offences last year.Monaco paid Sevilla a record £34million for Ben Yedder in 2019.He went on to score 118 goals in 201 games for the Ligue 1 club – but could now see his career end in disgrace. More

    • 238 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      France coach Didier Deschamps responds to Mbappe ‘rape’ claim after Real Madrid star accused of ‘sex assault at hotel’

      by

      FRENCH football coach Didier Deschamps has spoken out on the shock Kylian Mbappe rape allegations.Real Madrid’s star man has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a Swedish hotel room but has since slammed the serious claims against him as “fake news”.Real Madrid star man Kylian Mbappe has been accused of rape but has denied the allegationsCredit: RexFrance head coach Didier Deschamps has responded to the allegations against his captainMbappe leaving the Bank hotel in Stockholm where the alleged sexual assault is said to have taken placeCredit: RexMbappe responded on X, slamming the report as ‘fake news’Credit: XFrance’s manager Deschamps, 56, responded to the allegations against his captain as he warned people to avoid spreading “anything and everything” in regards to Mbappe.He told reporters after France’s clash with Belgium on Monday night that the reports have led to a “negative atmosphere” in the dressing room.It comes despite Mbappe, 25, not being in the squad for this round of Nations League fixtures due to a lack of fitness.After being quizzed on the allegations at the post match press conference Deschamps said: “Everyone is free to write what they want but there is a negative atmosphere around the French team.”read more in MbappeBefore he warned: “Be careful when you pick things up.”You had better take a bit of a step back before publishing anything and everything, but these things happen so often.”There are things that are not difficult to verify, but if you credit any old thing…”In any case I am not going to talk to him about it. He is big enough to know how to communicate.”Most read in FootballSwedish newspaper Aftonbladet first reported that the French forward is being investigated by cops over the allegations of sexual abuse last week.A complaint was reportedly made to police on Saturday after the alleged victim sought medical attention.Kylian Mbappe unveiled as Real Madrid player after historic transfer as he signs contract and poses with new shirt Expressen reported that Mbappe on Thursday dined at the Chez Jolie restaurant and went to the V nightclub in Stockholm with pals.He and his entourage then went back to the Bank Hotel where he was staying, it is reported.The outlet reports police are investigating an alleged rape at the Bank Hotel that night.Police spokeswoman Carina Skagerlind said: “In general, if we have received a complaint and decided to conduct interviews and we make it known (to the public), those involved in the case may take actions that delay and complicate the investigation.”Mbappe flew out of the Sweden Friday on a private jet just before the complaint had been filed.These accusations are completely false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptableMbappe entourageMbappe’s entourage has since shot back in a statement sent to AFP saying: “Today, a new slanderous rumour is starting to spread across the web from the Swedish media Aftonbladet.”These accusations are completely false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable.”In order to put an end to this methodical destruction all necessary legal actions will be taken to re-establish the truth and pursue any person or media involved in the moral harassment and defamatory treatment that Kylian Mbappe is suffering repeatedly.”The former Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco ace later addressed the report himself as he scolded the Swedish news outlets for allegedly spreading “fake news”.He put out a statement on X saying: “FAKE NEWS !!!! It’s becoming so predictable, just before the hearing as if by chance.” Mbappe also included a winking emoji at the end of the message.The tweet seemingly referred to a hearing Mbappe is set to face over unpaid wages he is disputably owed by PSG.Honestly, it’s a shame. PSG is responsible for everything with himsource close to PSGMbappe claims he deserves 55million Euros (£45million) by his former club in unpaid wages from his seven-year stint at the club.The footballer was also due to get a signing bonus in February but PSG have refused to pay up and follow the ruling by France’s football governing body LFP, according to the claims.A source close to PSG hit back at Mbappe by telling French newspaper L’Equipe they would “ignore” his claims the two incidents may be linked.The source said: “Honestly, it’s a shame. PSG is responsible for everything with him.”He didn’t score any goals (apart from penalties) for Madrid? It’s PSG.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He missed the French national team matches even though he says he did, but he’s not injured? It’s PSG.”PSG are now making up stories in Sweden. We will ignore it and keep our class.”Mbappe in Stockholm last week with his entourageCredit: RexMbappe is currently embroiled in a legal battle over unpaid wages with his former club PSGCredit: AFPThe Bank Hotel where Mbappe was staying with his entourageCredit: EPA More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe slams ‘fake news’ after he’s ‘accused of rape at Swedish hotel as cops open probe’

      by

      KYLIAN Mbappe has slammed “fake news” after a newspaper reported police received a formal rape complaint against the star.Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported that the French forward is being investigated by cops – who visited his hotel Monday. Kylian Mbappe had a rape complaint filed against him, a Swedish newspaper reportedCredit: RexMbappe in Stockholm FridayCredit: RexMbappe responded on X, slamming the report as ‘fake news’A complaint was reportedly made to police on Saturday after the alleged victim sought medical attention. Aftonbladet reported that Mbappe on Thursday dined at a restaurant and went to a nightclub in Stockholm with pals. They report police are investigating the alleged rape at the Bank Hotel – with forensic cops investigating Monday. Mbappe flew out of the country Friday on a private jet, before the complaint had been made. Read more on footballA prosecutor investigating the accusation told AFP: “A probe is under way into a crime that was reported on October 10 in the centre of Stockholm.” In a post on X, Mbappe addressed the report saying: “FAKE NEWS !!!! It’s becoming so predictable, just before the hearing as if by chance.”The Real Madrid player seemingly referred to a hearing he is set to face over unpaid wages he is disputedly owed. Mbappe claims he is owed 55million Euros (£45million) by his former club Paris Saint-Germain.Most read in FootballPolice spokeswoman Carina Skagerlind said: “In general, if we have received a complaint and decided to conduct interviews and we make it known (to the public), those involved in the case may take actions that delay and complicate the investigation.”Mbappe’s entourage shot back in a statement sent to AFP: “Today, a new slanderous rumour is starting to spread across the web from the Swedish media Aftonbladet.”These accusations are completely false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable.”In order to put an end to this methodical destruction of (the) image (of Kylian Mbappe), all necessary legal actions will be taken to re-establish the truth and pursue any person or media involved in the moral harassment and defamatory treatment that Kylian Mbappe is suffering repeatedly.”A source close to Paris Saint-Germain told AFP it would “ignore” Mbappe’s claim that there was a link between the report in Sweden and his wage dispute with the club.Mbappe is currently injured and did not play in France’s Nations League fixtures last week.Mbappe was staying at the Bank HotelCredit: EPA More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Benjamin Mendy SUES Man City for £11m of unpaid wages after £500k a MONTH salary stopped when he was charged with rape

      by

      FORMER Premier League star Benjamin Mendy launched a legal claim against Manchester City today for £11m in unpaid wages.The French World Cup winner has brought an employment tribunal against the Premier League champions after the club stopped paying his £500,000-a-month wages after he was charged with rape and sexual assault.Mendy has brought an employment tribunal against the Premier League championsCredit: PACity deny breaching employment law and argue Mendy violated his own contractCredit: AFPMendy, 30, signed for the Blues in a £52m transfer from Monaco in July 2017, agreeing a £6m-a-year deal which was due to run until June 2023.His contract also guaranteed him a £1m bonus each time City qualified for the Champions League, a further £900,000 if he played in more than 60 per cent of City’s matches and an annual £1.2m payment to his image rights company.But documents submitted to the tribunal in Manchester revealed how the Blues stopped paying his wages and monthly employer pension contributions of £434 after he was initially charged with four counts of rape and one sexual assault in August 2021.Mendy was remanded in custody and also suspended by the Football Association from all “footballing activities”.Read more FootballJust over a month later on 28 September 2021, City officials wrote to Mendy to notify him of their decision.The letter stated: “The club has, after careful and anxious consideration, suspended the payment of salary to you. You will not receive the payment that would otherwise have fallen due at the end of September 2021.“Nor will you receive any further payment until you are ready and able to perform your obligations under the contract of employment.“You are not presently ready and able to perform duties, of course, because you have been remanded in custody and, separately, because The FA has suspended you from engaging in any football-related activity.Most read in Football“Our understanding is that District Judge Garva remanded you in custody because of your conduct whilst already on bail.Benjamin Mendy of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City on August 15, 2021“Remand, was, therefore, an avoidable impediment to your being able to perform your duties. We understand that a subsequent request to be released on bail was refused. In those circumstances, the club is no longer obliged to continue to pay you.”But Mendy – now with French side Lorient – has brought a claim for “unauthorised deductions” from wages contrary to section 13 of the Employment Rights Act 1996.He claims under the terms of his contract, the club only had the right to stop his wages for a maximum of six weeks.Smartly dressed in a light blue shirt and tie, Mendy appeared from a law office via video link and affirmed an Islamic oath prior to giving evidence.City deny breaching employment law and argue Mendy violated his own contract by bringing the club into disrepute and indulging in behaviour which prevented him from playing or training.The club initially continued paying Mendy following his first arrest in November 2020.Mendy was found not guilty of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to four women in January 2023 after a six-month trial at Chester crown court.Jurors could not reach verdicts on one count of rape and one of attempted rape, relating to two women, but he was found not guilty of those after a retrial in June 2023. More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Premier League star, 24,  arrested over rape of woman at top West End hotel

      by

      A FORMER Premier League and international football star has been arrested on suspicion of raping a young woman at a top West End hotel.The 24–year-old was held by cops at the exclusive Corinthia Hotel in Whitehall Place, Westminster.A Premier League footballer has been arrested on suspicion of rapeCredit: GettyThe incident allegedly took place at the Corinthia Hotel in Whitehall Place, LondonCredit: GettyThe young female complainant raised the alarm at the front desk of the five-star hotel early on Wednesday morning.She had gone back to the hotel with the player after earlier meeting him in a Central London bar, said a source.The woman alleged she was then attacked and raped by the footballer, who cannot be named for legal reasons.Police arrested him at the hotel over the alleged date rape just before 10am that morning and he was taken to Charing Cross police station and questioned throughout the day in the presence of a lawyer.Read more Sports NewsA DNA swab, mugshot and fingerprints were taken from the suspect, as is routine for anyone arrested.The player was later released on bail until a date in mid-December pending further police inquiries. It is understood he denies rape.Police have carried out a forensic examination of the player’s £750 a night room as part of their inquiries and are also analysing CCTV footage from the hotel.The complainant – believed to be in her 20s – was taken to a Haven rape counselling suite to be examined and has provided a statement to specialist police officers.Most read in FootballA source said: “She met the player in a bar and agreed to go back to his hotel, where he had booked into earlier.“She claims he then attacked and raped her.“The woman went to the front desk at the hotel and was said to have been very distressed.“Police were called and officers arrived and arrested him at the hotel. He was then led out to the amazement of guests and staff.”The player was born abroad and has played for several English clubs as well representing his own country at youth and senior levels.The source said: “He has played in the Premier League and people will recognise him.“The allegations against him are very serious.”A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “A 24-year old man was arrested at 09.53hrs on Wednesday, 9 October at an address on Whitehall Place, SW1A, following an allegation of rape.“He has been bailed until a date in mid-December.“A woman is being supported by specially trained officers.“The investigation is ongoing and enquiries are still being made.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote Connect ref: 01/938365/24. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Dad of Tottenham star Son Heung-min ‘fined over child abuse’ as he issues grovelling apology in court

      by

      SON HEUNG-MIN’s father has been fined over child abuse and issued a grovelling apology in court.Woong-jung Son and his brother Heung-yun Son were sentenced on Friday in a South Korean court.Son Heung-Min’s father had been found guilty of child abuseCredit: AlamyWoong-jun Son is a best-selling author for his book about raising the footballerCredit: Facebook/Tottenham HotspurThe pair were fined three million won which is the equivalent of £1,700.They were both charged for having insulted and hit young players in the football academy run by Woong-jun Son.As well as being fined, the two, along with another coach, will have to undertake 40 hours of anti-child abuse training.The defendants have a week to appeal the decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter the sentencing, Woong-jung Son apologised to the court.He insisted that the coaching staff at his academy have “never spoke or acted in a way that was not based on love for children”.Woong-jung Son is a best-selling author for his book about training his son, Son Heung-Min, to become one of the best in the world.Meanwhile, the Tottenham star is currently in the treatment room for a hamstring injury.Most read in FootballThe forward picked up the knock while playing for the North London outfit in the Europa League clash against Qarabag.Tottenham fans concerned as footage emerges of Brennan Johnson after late winner against CoventrySo far this season, Son has featured in seven matches in all competitions for Spurs, scoring twice.He has been outshone at the club by the sparkling recent form of Brennan Johnson.The Welsh winger has started to justify his £50million price tag that the club paid to prize him away from Nottingham Forest in 2023.Johnson has scored six goals in 10 appearances this campaign, including goals in his last three Premier League games. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      George Baldock cops probing if ANOTHER person was involved in ex-Premier League star’s death after finding pool clues

      by

      GREEK police are probing if another person could have been present when ex-Premier League star George Baldock died in Athens.Baldock, 31, was found dead in his swimming pool at his home in Glyfada on Wednesday night, local reports claimed. George Baldock playing for Sheffield United in 2023Credit: GettyBaldock’s body was pulled from the bottom of the poolCredit: LNPBaldock was reportedly found after his wife failed to contact himCredit: GettyEmergency services tried to revive the defenderCredit: ReutersA half-empty bottle of vodka was also found next to the swimming pool along with two glasses.After finding the glasses police are now investigating whether there was more than just Baldock present.Local media have reported it was his daughter’s birthday when British-born Baldock tragically died.The full-back, who joined Athens side Panathinaikos from Sheffield United this summer, was found at the bottom of the pool by his landlord who jumped over the fence to get into the home.Read more on footballAccording to Greek media, Baldock’s wife – who lives in England – was trying to contact the former Sheffield United star and had began to worry.After failing to track Baldock down, she then told the owner of the house in Glyfada to check the property.The Greece international, who was born in Buckingham but qualifies for the team via his grandmother, was found wearing swimming trunks and was pulled out of the water by emergency services.They tried to resuscitate him but sadly could not revive him.Most read in FootballThe emergency service (EKAV) doctor deemed that Baldock’s death had occurred at least an hour before he was found by the landlord.Authorities will check camera footage, although early findings show there is no indication of foul play.Ex-Prem star George Baldock found dead in pool months after Greece moveThe autopsy is expected to come out on Friday or Saturday while the toxicology results will take a longer time.Tributes flowed to Baldock following the news of his death. Baldock’s family later released a statement saying: “as a family we are in shock at this terrible loss.”The football clubs he played for also released touching tributes.George Baldock, playing for Greece, defending against Kylian MbappeCredit: GettyPanathinaikos said: “We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George.”The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock.”Former side Sheffield United also paid tribute.They said: “Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him.”The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends.”Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to.Baldock was playing for Panathinaikos FC this yearCredit: Rex More